Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – Nothing is useful which is not honest. (Benjamin Franklin, a founding father of the United States)

The proverb, “Honesty is the best policy,” has lost some of its luster in a world where dishonesty seems to pay off too often. The gains of dishonest living, however, will often be the undoing of those who have been less than honest. We must not be fooled by the temporary advantage of wrong-doers. In God’s good time, virtue will win the day.

Have I not written . . . sayings of counsel and knowledge, teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth? (Proverbs 22:20-21)

STOP AND THINK – Nobody can hurt me without my permission. (Mahatma Gandhi)

We’ve all known a few people who seem to have their feelings hurt very easily. The slightest misunderstanding will offend them. It may be difficult to manage, but in reality, we can be hurt by others only if we let them do so. Trying to understand their perspective or over-looking their intention, will help us stand strong in our own sense of self-worth.

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. (Psalm 119:165)

STOP AND THINK – Prosperity is a way of living and thinking, and not just having money or things. (Chinese fortune cookie)

We really didn’t need a fortune cookie to tell us that—or, did we? In modern American, it seems that prosperity, indeed, may simply mean more and better—more physical assets, better and more possessions. But, the proverb reminds us that we can have prosperity of heart and mind by living for the eternal and spiritual rather than the temporal and material.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19-20)

STOP AND THINK – God Himself doesn’t propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you? (Popular one-liner)

The Bible does say there will be a judgment after death, but does that mean there should not be any judging during one’s lifetime? It’s true that we should not stand in judgment of others, but we do need to continually judge ourselves, our motives, and our attitudes. To do so will Vad sags om 154 miljoner kronor? 109 miljoner kronor och 60 miljoner kronor?Vill du bli Mega Fortune-miljonar ar Betsson Casino ett bra val! Overlag ger sajtens spelautomater bra aterbetalning och utdelning, sa du ska definitivt vaga prova olika spelautomater pa casinot. not only improve our conduct but it will also result in our doing less judging of others.

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. (Matthew 7:1) For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household. (1 Peter 4:17)

STOP AND THINK – One can acquire everything in solitude—except character. (Henri Stendahl, 19th century French writer)

Stendhal (pen name for Marie- Henri Beyle) raises an interesting concept. We can develop certain abilities and skills by ourselves, perhaps, but how can we develop character alone? Character, after all, is demonstrated by one’s conduct with and toward others. It cannot be proved in isolation; integrity can be learned alone but can be seen only by others.

The light of the righteous shines brightly. (Proverbs 13:9)

STOP AND THINK – When we have enough clarity to turn “Life’s Lemons” into sweet lemonade, we realize what a gift those lemons were! (Inspiration Line)

When life’s trials hit us, it’s easy to consider them as “lemons,” the distasteful, sour events that are so hard to endure. Yet, if we persevere and overcome, we may be surprised to learn that it is those “lemons” that brought significant change and growth in our lives. Don’t fear life’s difficulties; look to God to lead you in ways you can benefit from overcoming them.

Jesus: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

STOP AND THINK – People are anxious to improve their circumstances but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound. (James Allen, 19th-20th century British inspirational writer)

Are you often dissatisfied with your circumstances? Do you wish you had a nicer home, a higher-paying job, or greater acceptance among your peers? What we sometimes fail to realize is that it isn’t our environment or circumstances that need to be changed; it’s us. Perhaps you need to face that reality and do something about it; otherwise you will remain anxious.

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2)

STOP AND THINK – We hide our hurts, and in the process we sabotage our healing. (Kary Oberbrunner, author and spiritual coach)

Many people are reluctant to share their hurts, the pain that comes from insults, slights, or harsh words. They bottle up those feelings and, as a result, the pain festers and grows until it may cause lasting problems. For healing, those hurts need to be brought to the surface and shared with someone who is sympathetic and can offer help. Don’t keep them to yourself.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2) Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

STOP AND THINK – Be a lamp—a lifeboat—or a ladder. (Rumi, 13th century Persian poet)

The theme of these metaphors is helping others. Perhaps you can be a lamp, bringing light into a person’s life when things seem dark and foreboding. Or, maybe a lifeboat, rescuing someone struggling in the turmoil of uncertainty. Or a ladder, providing a way for a person to climb out of his difficulty. Look for opportunities to help someone who is struggling!

Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

STOP AND THINK – Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. (Goethe, 18th & 19th centuries German writer and politician)

Knowledge is important; you won’t get far without knowing something. Willingness, even eagerness is good; without them you won’t go far, either. But knowledge is worthless if it is not put to use. Wisdom is the good use of knowledge. Likewise, it takes more than a willing attitude to accomplish anything worthwhile. As Nike puts it, “Just do it.”

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. (Colossians 3:23)

STOP AND THINK – Nothing so conclusively proves a man’s ability to lead others as what he does from day to day to lead himself. (Thomas Watson, chairman and CEO of IBM)

Many people aspire to be leaders. They think they can manage other people and lead them to accomplish worthy achievements. Before giving such a person the authority to be the boss, it would be wise to examine his or her life to see how they conduct their own affairs. If they have led themselves well, then you can count on them to do the same at the head of a team.

Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3:15)

STOP AND THINK – Arrogance yields agonizing emptiness. Humility welcomes others. (Dan Rockwell, Leadership author and presenter)

While humility is a desirable and admired character trait, arrogance is just the opposite. Most people try to avoid the proud, arrogant person, who is all wrapped up in himself or herself. Such people often really don’t want others around them unless they themselves are clearly in charge. On the other hand, humble people usually welcome and are welcomed by others.

For . . . arrogance [is] like the evil of idolatry. (1 Samuel 15:23)